Testing Procedure at silverado Karate Dojo

Objective of Belt Testing

The purpose of the belt test is for students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge of martial arts in the public and reviewed by the expert judges. Promotion of rank and the new belt is given when a student successfully passes the test.

Eligibility for Belt Promotion

Eligibility for belt promotion is determined by sensei/instructor’s assessment of each student’s experience and training progress. Consideration for belt promotion is based on student’s

Outstanding attendance & work ethics and follow the dojo rules.

Outstanding physical skill as well as knowledge of the art.

Outstanding result in tournaments; both in form and sparring.

GUIDELINES FOR TESTING

Between each kyu rank, students should be practicing at least three months on a regular basis, and you must participate in shiai, such as any local tournament and dojo seminars. Students may take longer if they wish. Fee for the certificate is $35.

Between Sankyu and Shodan, students should be practicing at least six months on a regular basis. Students may take longer if they wish. You should also be participating in federation tournaments. Fee for Shodan Certificate is $200.

All techniques used in Kihon and Kata are mandatory. All techniques used in Kumite, Bunkai and Jutsu are chosen by the student. As students go up in rank, techniques should become more complex and should demonstrate ability at all applications. Techniques should be done quickly - without pauses to "think". All techniques are done both ways on the right and the left side.

Variations in numbers of ground techniques (newaza) and standing techniques (tachiwaza) can be approved previously for testing.

Note: not everyone will test every quarter. It is up to the Sensei to decide whether or not you are ready to test. Particularly at the intermediate and advanced ranks, it is not unusual to spend more than one quarter at the same rank.

Progress is indicated by rank and belt color

There are no hard and fast rules which dictate how long a student must practice before achieving any particular rank. With perseverance, acceptable attitude, and steady improvement, a dedicated student might be ready to receive the rank of brown belt (3rd kyu) after about two years, and black belt (1st degree) after about three years of constant training.

The student must demonstrate a working knowledge of the five phases of training: basics (kihon), forms (kata), sparring (kumite), application (bunkai) and Jutsu (techniques and strategies used in real combat). A student's rank should never be cause for disparagement by others or self-deprecation any more than it should be cause for inordinate pride. The ideal evaluation should embrace the student's total gain in technique and self-mastery.

Students who want to be graded should practice each basic technique and kata at least five times each day outside of regular class for two weeks prior to grading, except it is advisable to keep the last day prior to examination free for relaxation.
Please be clean, well groomed, dressed in clean gi good condition and ready to go at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of kyu test. Usually, there is a brief but intense practice prior to kyu test-do your best.

Adults:
Beginner = 1 year of training and under
Novice = 1 - 2 years
Intermediate = 2 - 3 years
Advanced = 3 years and up

THE PURPOSE & FUNCTIONS OF BELT SYSTEM

Silverado Shotokan Karate offers different belt systems according to four age groups in order to address the need of each group better. The belt system allows gradual, step by step and systematic presentation our comprehensive curriculum. We believe our belt system will enable our students to achieve success without getting overwhelmed. It also determines appropriate level you need to be in an official sports competition. Exceptional students with an outstanding work ethics, skills with outstanding competition accomplishments can sometimes be accelerated in the promotion of the ranks; ask our Silverado Shotokan Karate instructors for more details.